Netball Queensland U16 & U18 State Titles live stream: Cougars’ Gemma Hutchings making huge strides

Gemma Hutchings has come a long way since a coach told her to ‘stop doing handstands’. Fresh off the Youth Commonwealth Games, she now has eyes on a state title. Catch her LIVE from Saturday.

Sixteen-year-old Gemma Hutchings is gearing up for her third Nissan U16 and U18 State Titles in the Brisbane North Cougars colours, this year as a bottom age athlete in the U18s division.

A successful 2022 tournament landed her a spot in the Queensland U17 side which won gold at the National Netball Championships earlier this year.

In the months since, Hutchings has made leaps and bounds in her netball journey.

Catch her LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV as part of four days of top-class netball.

Matches begin on Saturday and run through to the grand finals on Tuesday. Watch all the action from the show court. That’s 24 games, including both grand finals. Check out the schedule below for full details.

She was one of just three Queensland talents named in the Australian Youth Commonwealth Games ‘fast five’ netball team, and travelled to the event in late August.

“To go away to Trinidad and Tobago was a truly incredible experience,” Hutchings said.

“It was an honour to put the yellow dress on and play with girls from across Australia.

SIBLING POWER AS SISTERHOOD SHOOTS FOR STATE GLORY

Gemma Hutchings made her Australian bow in August.

“It’s something I could never forget, and securing the gold medal was a bonus.

“Playing against different nations took the game to another level and allowed me to make long lasting memories through a game I love.”

The journey

Hutchings is yet to turn 17, but is well beyond her years on the court.

The star began playing at a young age and has flourished under the Cougars pathway since.

“One of my fondest memories is my coach, Adam, telling me to stop doing handstands at GK when the ball was at the other end of the court,” she said.

“I have really been able to develop as a player both on and off the court at Cougars and have been able to make lifelong friendships.

“Being under the guidance of Patti Farrell, Lauren Klingberg, Amanda Vanderwall and Liz White has been an incredible opportunity, and has had such a positive impact on my netball.”

While the sidelines are filled with mentors, Hutchings said her parents’ commitment has been just as vital to getting her this far.

Gemma Hutchings is quite a defensive force.

“My biggest supporters are definitely my family and friends,” she said.

“I honestly have no idea what I would do without them, from the early mornings to late nights they always get me to where I need to be.”

What’s next

With the Youth Comm Games ticked off her bucket list, Hutchings is focused on the next task: Nissan State Titles 2023.

“It will be great to just have a hit out on court this year with my team in the new age group for me,” she said.

“At the moment state titles prep is about creating connections within the team both on and off court … learning to work together and create different combinations is a focus as well as nailing our basics and structures.”